The Exceptionally Rare Rides of Pebble Beach

As usual, the 2012 Concours d'Elegance was an extravagant affair. Along with the rest of the Dawn Patrol, we headed out into the early morning mist that cloaked Pebble Beach's 18th fairway to watch the cars roll in. Among the magnificent mix of vehicles were curvaceous coaches styled by Ukrainian designer Jacques Saoutchik and opulent automobiles that once belonged to Indian maharajas, kings and princes. Other featured cars included Mercer, Fiat, AC and AC Cobra, and custom sport hot rods. These are some of the highlights.

1904 Fiat 75 HP Alessio Touring

1904 Fiat 75 HP Alessio Touring

1910 Brooke 25/30 HP Swan Car (Maharaja Class)

1910 Brooke 25/30 HP Swan Car (Maharaja Class)

This attention grabber was commissioned by Robert Nicholl Matthewson. As a Scotsman living in India, his intention was to mock the garish rides of the maharajas, going so far as to have a special fixture in the rear of the vehicle that left splotches of whitewash on the pavement. In the end, though, he wound up selling the car to the Maharajah of Nabha, who loved the car so much he had a miniature version made.